Unexplained Weight Loss & Anxiety

Regardless of cause, unintended weight loss and feelings of anxiety negatively affect physical and mental well-being. In adults, unexplained loss of more than 5 percent of body weight is abnormal and can lead to muscle wasting, increased infection rates and depression. Anxiety is an important step in the stress response; it prepares us to confront or escape danger in the short term. But when ongoing, it is associated with chronic physical illness, including heart disease, respiratory disorders and gastrointestinal conditions. In most cases, these symptoms should be evaluated by a health professional who will help to uncover the cause and determine the best way to manage it.

Simple Explanations

Some explanations for weight loss that may not have been considered include skipping meals, mild illness, eating on the run, increased caffeine intake, a hectic schedule, increased exercise without increasing calorie intake and certain medications or supplements. In many of these cases, anxiety may be present as well, either because of the same behaviors causing the weight loss, as a side effect of medications or supplements or from worrying about the weight loss. Many of these issues can be remedied with behavior modification. Medication side effects should be discussed with a physician.

Chronic Stress and Depression

Some stress is normal and productive, but persistent worrying may lead to depression. Indicators of depression include insomnia, anxiety, loss of appetite, weight loss, irritability, suicidal thoughts and not wanting to be around others. Strategies to manage stress, such as taking a break or vacation, exercising, meditating, practicing yoga, and ensuring adequate sleep at night, may be enough to reverse these effects. If stress has become so overwhelming that fixing it alone seems out of the question, professional help should be sought. "Depression is an imbalance of hormones and nerve chemicals -- a biological illness that is highly treatable," says Dr. Esther M. Sternberg, director of the Integrative Neural Immune Program at the National Institute of Mental Health.

Hyperthyroidism

The thyroid is a gland that plays a primary role in controlling metabolism by producing hormones that influence the rate at which cells use energy. Problems with thyroid function can cause errors in the amounts of hormones produced and the rate of metabolism. When excessive amounts of thyroid hormone are produced, the condition is hyperthyroidism, which leads to increased heart rate, anxiety, weight loss, difficulty sleeping, tremors in the hands, weakness and diarrhea. Puffiness around the eyes, dryness and irritation of the skin, light sensitivity and visual disturbances may also occur. A physician should be consulted.

Pain

Longstanding physical pain, such as back pain, that is accompanied by unexplained weight loss and anxiety should generally be evaluated by a health professional, both for peace of mind and for identification of any underlying problem. The pain itself can cause worry and loss of appetite, both of which will probably be alleviated if examination by a doctor finds nothing else wrong. A doctor will also be able to provide strategies for controlling or resolving the pain.

Rare Cases

Far less commonly, an adrenal gland tumor, called a pheochromocytoma, is responsible for weight loss and anxiety. Other signs include elevated blood pressure, heart palpitations, profuse sweating, headache and fatigue. The adrenal glands, one located on top of each kidney, secrete adrenaline and other hormones. The pheochromocytoma, which is usually non-cancerous, stimulates overproduction of adrenaline. This provokes a prolonged and intense "fight or flight" response that is dangerous if left untreated because it increases risk of heart attack and stroke. Medical treatment involves medications to normalize blood pressure and laparoscopic surgical removal of the tumor.